Olivet University Ordered to Cease Operations After State Hearing
Private University Fails to Meet State Standards for Education and Record-Keeping
A Christian Bible school in Riverside County, California, has been ordered to cease operations after a recent state hearing into multiple allegations of failures to properly educate and maintain records. The decision was made by Presiding Judge Debra Nye-Perkins, who presided over the Office of Administrative Hearings.
Allegations of Forced Labor and Unpaid Work
The allegations against Olivet University, which is headquartered in the high-desert town of Anza, California, include claims of forced and unpaid labor among students. Several former students and employees have alleged that administrators prevented adults from leaving campus without permission and forced them to work, sometimes for free.
State Investigation Launched in 2022
A state investigation was launched in 2022 by the Bureau of Private and Post-Secondary Education (BPPE) into the private university over concerns for student safety and quality of education. The investigation was prompted by news reports from Newsweek, which university leaders claimed to be inaccurate.
Judge’s Decision
In her decision, Judge Nye-Perkins ordered the school to halt the enrollment of new students and help current students figure out a plan to finish their degrees elsewhere. The decision was finalized on December 10 and goes into effect on January 10. The judge wrote, "The only degree of discipline that would protect the public is the revocation of respondent’s approval to operate."
Olivet’s Response
Olivet University has announced that it will appeal the judge’s order and has submitted an application to continue operating in California under "religious exemption." The university’s president, Jonathan Park, and vice president, Walker Tzeng, have denied the allegations, claiming that the state investigation was racially and religiously prejudiced.
Previous Accusations and Investigations
Olivet University has faced ongoing scrutiny over its ability to educate. The accreditor, the Association for Biblical Higher Education, has previously put Olivet on probation in 2020 and placed the university under warning in 2022. The university has also lost permission to operate its New York campus after it failed to meet state requirements for curriculum, administrative policies, and working conditions.
Conclusion
The decision to revoke Olivet University’s accreditation is a significant step towards ensuring that students are protected from substandard education and mistreatment. The allegations of forced labor and unpaid work are serious and disturbing, and it is essential that the university is held accountable for its actions.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason for the revocation of Olivet University’s accreditation?
A: The revocation is due to the university’s failure to meet state standards for education and record-keeping, as well as allegations of forced labor and unpaid work among students.
Q: What is the next step for Olivet University?
A: Olivet University has announced that it will appeal the judge’s order and has submitted an application to continue operating in California under "religious exemption."
Q: What is the Association for Biblical Higher Education’s role in this situation?
A: The Association for Biblical Higher Education is the accreditor for Olivet University, and it has previously placed the university on probation and under warning due to concerns over its ability to educate. However, the accreditor’s assessment is not relevant to the state’s decision to revoke the university’s accreditation.
